Kathmandu, September 4: The new-series ATR72-600 aircraft of private airline Buddha Air began commercial operations from today.
This morning, the aircraft bearing registration number 9N-AOS made its first commercial flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Carrying 66 passengers, the aircraft took off from Kathmandu for Nepalgunj at 8:06 a.m.
Buddha Air brought the aircraft to Nepal from Toulouse, France, on July 25, 2026. It took about a month to complete the necessary technical and regulatory procedures as well as repainting the aircraft.
According to the company, the ATR72-600 is equipped with a fully glass cockpit, modern navigation systems, digital flight management and advanced safety systems.
The aircraft in this series, designed for regional flights, is considered environmentally friendly because it consumes comparatively less fuel. It is also equipped with an RNP-AR navigation system, which facilitates flight operations and landings in low-visibility conditions while complying with the required standards and procedures.
The company said the aircraft has larger passenger seats and overhead bins than those in its previous series of aircraft. Its improved interior design also significantly reduces cabin noise compared with the previous series, according to the company’s statement.
Buddha Air is preparing to add another ATR72-600 aircraft to its fleet in the near future. The airline currently has 14 ATR72-500 aircraft and one ATR72-600.
The company recently retired two ATR42-320 aircraft from service. It also sold another ATR42-320 aircraft, which had relatively few flight cycles remaining, to an aircraft company in Europe for parts.
As part of its commitment to making air travel more convenient and accessible, Buddha Air has added the new-series aircraft to its fleet. The company said the addition would further strengthen its flight operations and maintenance schedules.
Buddha Air currently operates more than 140 domestic flights and landings each day. Internationally, it operates flights from Kathmandu to Varanasi, India, three days a week, and to Kolkata four days a week. It also operates flights from Pokhara to Bhairahawa and Nepalgunj.
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